Chaos Never Dies Day (November 9th)
Penny rolled her eyes as Sheldon ran around the room in a hectic manner. He was frantically muttering under his breath. A knock on the door had her throwing a blanket over her shoulder quickly. The door opened and Raj and Sarah walked in. The group had drawn straws to see who got to help bring Penny and Caroline home, and they had won. Sheldon looked up and immediately began loading bags onto Raj's arms.
Penny waved Sarah over and patted the chair beside her. "Quick. Sit before he loads you down, too."
Sheldon paused long enough to shoot Penny a glare before grabbing the car seat and the rest of the bags. He hustled Raj out the door with a quick promise thrown over his shoulder to be back soon.
Penny flipped the blanket back and switched Caroline to her other breast. She smiled softly as she smoothed the dark tuft of hair on her baby's head.
Sarah reached over and caressed a little hand. She giggled as the little hand wrapped around her finger. "She's gotten bigger."
Penny nodded happily. "She's up to 4 lbs and 1 oz now. Her lungs are strong, and she's eating well. It's been a rough couple of weeks, but she's tough. She's going to need a lot of check ups and some close monitoring, but so far, so good."
The door opened and Sarah swiftly covered Penny up again. Sheldon rushed in and grabbed the diaper bag and the Boppy pillow. He rushed back out just as quickly. Sarah and Penny looked at each other and giggled. A nurse showed up with a wheelchair and Penny settled into it. Sarah followed along as they made their way down to the ground floor. Sheldon gently set his daughter into the car seat and then helped Penny ease into the car also. He slid in on the other side and buckled up.
"Now, go slow. Watch for other cars, and make sure you keep at least two car lengths between you and all other cars," Sheldon said to Raj.
Raj rolled his eyes and Penny leaned over to pat Sheldon's arm. "Sweetie, calm down. You're making him nervous. No backseat driving." He opened his mouth to argue and Penny looked at him innocently. "Oh look, Sheldon. I don't think she likes riding in the seat. Maybe you should sing for her."
Sheldon immediately leaned in closer to his daughter and began singing Soft Kitty. Raj shot Penny a look of gratitude and she winked back. The rest of the trip went smoothly.
Sheldon opened the door to the apartment and stepped back so Penny could go ahead of them. A cheerful cry of welcome home went up from all their family and friends gathered inside. Unfortunately it startled the baby and she began to cry. Sheldon looked appalled and immediately tried to throw everyone out.
Meemaw stepped forward and shushed him as she reached for her great-granddaughter. "Let me hold this little angel," she said happily. She moved to the couch and sat down gently. Meemaw cuddled her close and began rocking from side to side. Soon the baby was asleep again. Penny sat down on the armchair and watched Mary and her own mom flank Meemaw. All three women cooed and ahhed, completely engrossed in Caroline. She reached out and pulled Sheldon down onto the chair beside her. He twitched slightly, because this wasn't his spot, but placed an arm around Penny.
He leaned down and whispered in her ear. "Do you know what today is?" Penny shook her head and looked at him inquiringly. "Chaos Never Dies Day. Suitable, yes?"
Penny burst out laughing and pulled him in for a heartfelt kiss. "I hate to break it to you, Sheldon, but we're parents now. Every day is chaos day from now on."
Sheldon smiled and kissed Penny tenderly. "I can live with that," he whispered to her.